God's Valentine

Will you be my Valentine

Is an expression heard this time of the year.

It can be spoken out loud or

It can be whispered in one's ear.

Whether spoken aloud or whispered

Is a minute part.

Because what really matters

Is if it's truly from the heart.

Being one's Valentine

Is an outward show of love.

One in which God reveals to all

From His heavenly kingdom above.

Aren't you excited

To know of God's love for you,

Especially during this time of the year

When so many are feeling blue.

God will not leave nor forsake you

Since this is His great plan.

Which makes you the perfect Valentine

To be placed in His ever loving hand.

Being one of God's Valentines

Puts you in a very special place.

One in which you will see Him

Face to face.

In Christian love

Confession - Is It Not Good For The Soul?

Most people have heard of the phrase, “Confession is good for the soul.” Do we have any idea where this saying was coined? Probably not, but we do have another saying that relays the same truth and it is found in 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Could it be said that this is the key verse for restoring our relationship with the heavenly Father? Probably yes. The wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, wrote essentially the same thing, warning, He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Confession of sin is manifested by repentance, as was the case of David after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba (Psalm 51). It is also manifested by self-abasement (humility/dishonor). Jeremiah put it this way, We lie down in our shame, and our reproach covers us. For we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God (Jer. 3:25). The apostle Paul said, For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted...(2 Cor. 7:10a). Confession is even manifested by restitution (compensation/amends). The children of Israel were made to do this when they were found guilty of any sin against the Lord.

Now that we see how the confession of sin is manifested, what will be the results of our confession? First there is forgiveness, as stated earlier in 1 John 1:9. Secondly there is pardon, concerning David (Psalm 32:1-5). Thirdly there is renewed fellowship (Psalm 51:12-19). Lastly there is healing. Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16a).

Our sins are not something that we should take lightly. It is true that our sins will find us out, as they did with David and others in the Holy Scriptures. We want to make sure that we stay confessed up so that we will find ourselves continually being cleansed by the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ. This will assure our entrance into the heavenly kingdom Christ is now preparing for each of us.

God's Blessings!

Eddie

Christian Service

Early in this century a London newspaper carried an advertisement that read: “Men wanted for hazardous darkness, and constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” The ad, signed by famous Arctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, brought inquiries from thousands of men. Commenting on this in his book Be Faithful, Warren W. Wiersbe said, “If Jesus Christ had advertised for workers, the announcement might have read something like this: ‘Men and women wanted for difficult task of helping to build My church. You will often be misunderstood, even by those working with you. You will face constant attack from an invisible enemy. You may not see the results of your labor, and your full reward will not come till after all your work is completed. It may cost you your home, your ambitions, even your life.’” - D.C.E. Our Daily Bread, June 18

If such an ad was placed in your local paper, would you be tempted to answer the ad? If you are a disciple of Christ today, you might be experiencing some of the affects of being a Christian and serving the Lord in building His one and only church. The Bible reminds us that we are to Serve the Lord with gladness...” (Psalm 100:2a). Even if we are or could experience such conditions, we are to do it with gladness. Peter wrote, Yet if anyone suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter (1 Peter 4:16). Peter also said, For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17). Our service to God should be without repose. It should be a task that is met head on with anticipation, excitement and zeal. Could we ever do a better service in this lifetime than serve the Lord with gladness?

Are we giving the Lord our very best when it comes to service? Are we gladly attending all the worship services? Are we getting as much as we possibly can out of our singing to the Lord? Are we getting the most out of prayers as they are lifted up to the heavenly Father? Are we understanding and getting more out the Lord's Supper each time we participate in it? Are we getting more out of the collection that is taken up each and every Lord's day? Are we gleaning as much as we should from the preaching we are hearing? And are we getting more out of the Bible Study we attend? These are very pertinent questions that need absolute answers.

God's Blessings!

Eddie